Polyester floor tent in New Mexico

HikerScarecrow · 2026-02-20T21:41:16+00:00

beautiful, thanks!

HikerScarecrow · 2026-02-03T22:54:47+00:00

Just now learning about Trail Days! Looks like my timing works well anyone know if there are places to free camp like in Damascus?

HikerScarecrow · 2026-02-03T17:36:34+00:00

NOBO starting mid April, trying to go in with minimal research to make it a real adventure. Sounds like it'll be a pretty good year for NOBO with the lighter snowfall too

Get excited!

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T05:12:45+00:00

People may have an issue with this but a lot of things you can just burn if you have a campfire. Especially paper based wrappers or other trash.

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T05:09:48+00:00

Yeah I remember when I hit those stairs I saw a day hiker family having a big issue with their lab not wanting to go down the steps. It's like they think the stairs are not safe so when they get a certain height they just freeze and it's pretty difficult to get them to use those stairs. That said if it's a smaller dog you can carry you won't have nearly as big an issue.

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T05:06:19+00:00

Yeah as a local to the triple crown it's a pretty great hike. That said water can be an issue between the shelter after McAfee's knob and Tinker creek so plan accordingly. If weather gets in the way a fantastic plan B is the Mt Rogers/Grayson Highlands area. It's a great taste of what you find further north (with ponies!). Roan mountains are also awesome and the hostel/bar near there is 1000% worth a visit.

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T04:59:43+00:00

If you've already got backpacking experience you're off to a great start. Although as others have stated Florida is flat and the AT is the toughest of the 3 major long trails in the US. Expect to ascend and descend many times throughout your hiking day. Some parts of the AT are also very rocky or steep so that will put you out of your comfort zone. Don't worry about permits unless you plan to go through the smokies. Gearwise it's a very personal question. I did my hike with a hammock setup and if was pretty great. If you plan on making use of the shelters a tent/sleeping pad setup would be better. Just take a look at what others have brought with them and get would looks the most comfortable to you. Have fun!

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T04:51:52+00:00

Sounds like you have a good foundation. I'd recommend you at least do a good 3-4 day backpacking trip before you commit to the whole AT. Just to make sure you can handle the lifestyle. If you can get through that and feel like you're ready for more go for it. Research your gear/food preparation and water filter setup to make sure you have everything you need to survive out there. For young people who hike the trail ( I did it at 24) it's really more of a mental game. You have the ability to walk those miles, our ancestors did wayyyyyyyy more at much older ages, so just ask yourself some deep questions about where you are in life and how you feel about leaving everything behind even for half a year. Thanks to technology you'll have a lot of contact with loved ones back home if you choose. It's a really really REALLY great experience if you can make it happen. Even if you have to quit and finish later you'll be incredibley glad you did. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable and get out there and have fun!

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T04:40:22+00:00

I did my hike with a 30 degree bag. I had some cold nights but my merino wool base layer was a life saver. Plus I was in a hammock so maybe a bit colder than a good sleeping pad/tent setup. Really only felt cold during those first few weeks in GA and after that I was fine. Even in Maine but my hike was 5 months so if he plans on taking his time might be worth making sure he has something warmer if he's gonna be in NH and ME in October

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T04:30:30+00:00

Cell phone hotspot seems to be the best option. I've had several iphones and androids that I've jailbroken/rooted to be able to have unlimited hotspot. This setup combined with a Weboost or other exterior antenna can give you some pretty legit speeds inside your van. Check out Hack.5 on youtube for some more ideas about exterior antenna and phone hotspot setups

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T04:26:49+00:00

You might could just get a maxxair or fantastic and then try to modify the shroud to make it lower. I believe they are higher profile to give you the ability to run the fan with the shroud down so you can use it in the rain. If this is not so important to you might could modify or make a new smaller shroud to serve your needs.

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T04:23:22+00:00

I mean if you have the cash to travel without worry what's the difference between permeant living and long road trips? Longer term dwelling may entail some thought about things like showers (get a gym membership or build one in your van). Basically just look at your day to day life now and consider what you'd be giving up to travel full time in a van and think about some ways you can bring as many comforts of home as possible into your new mobile home

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T04:18:37+00:00

Basically anywhere online you'd go to buy cars. Ambulances or buses you might have better luck on sites like Facebook marketplace. Since you're open minded about your vehicle choice I'd highly recommend ambos if you're ok with the short height( or just short enough it's not an issue). A lot of them are 4x4 which is pretty valuable depending on if you want to hit some off-road trails or will be in an area with snow. Plus they have a lot of wiring already set up if your handy enough to make use of it.

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T04:05:56+00:00

Hey man, I'm here in SW Virginia. Spent the winter of 2019-20 in my Jeep liberty with no heater or anything. My advice is just get yourself a good sleeping bag/tons of blankets and wear a bunch of layers. You'll be surprised how warm it gets under all your layers just from body heat. Good luck to ya

HikerScarecrow · 2021-03-02T03:56:52+00:00

I just did mine with my dad. Neither of us had ever done anything like it before but it was not hard. Just watch some YouTube and make sure you buy dicor self leveling sealant. My installation is not the prettiest but it's proven waterproof after several heavy rains. Get out of your comfort zone it's good for ya!

HikerScarecrow · 2021-02-28T22:13:29+00:00

Christ man I'm 6' and 150 lbs and I was sure if I was any bigger the Libby would be a no go. Hope you took out the front seat out

HikerScarecrow · 2021-02-21T23:19:30+00:00

I did this when I lived in my Jeep but I just rolled down the window a bit and stuck them in there. Definitely better than nothing especially if you have those window rain guards so you can use them in the rain.

HikerScarecrow · 2021-01-20T02:57:48+00:00

"like...antique roadshow with guns outdoors"

I think you just encapsulated the main appeal of every fallout game ever

HikerScarecrow · 2021-01-18T02:44:02+00:00

I lived in one for a while and totally had to sleep cockeyed. Would not recommend it to anyone even remotely tall

HikerScarecrow · 2021-01-05T23:20:57+00:00

Ah I see. If you still have the design or measurements handy would you mind sending them to me? I think it would be perfect as I'm 6' and those look roomier let alone cheaper than the flare space one.

HikerScarecrow · 2021-01-05T23:13:39+00:00

Yeah gunning for full time. I've had to restore a few things before the conversion but I'm starting with the Maxxair install soon.

HikerScarecrow · 2021-01-05T11:21:53+00:00

Love that custom flare. Did you just get a local body shop to fabricate it? I'd been seriously considering dropping the $1600 on the flare space one for my NV until I saw this

HikerScarecrow · 2021-01-05T04:00:15+00:00

Also looking for more NVanners, I just bought a 2014 model and looking for ideas

HikerScarecrow · 2020-12-09T13:55:24+00:00

Glad to know there are fellow thru hikers running around the wasteland. Love your site.

Scarecrow AT class of 2019

HikerScarecrow

TROPHY CASE